In AusVELS

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Our questions about AusVELS Science:

Australian Government focus on STEM Based on expert reports and studies,

the Australian Government has increased its focus on STEM education as essential to Australia’s future and the ability to participate effectively in world affairs

(http://www.aph.gov.au/About_Parliament/Parliamentary_Departments/Parliamentary_Library/pubs/rp/BudgetReview201213/Mathematics )

AusVELS Curriculum Based on these assumptions

SUBJECT K-2 3-6 7

ENGLISH 7HRS P/WEEK 6HRS P/WEEK 4HRS P/WEEK

MATHEMATICS 5HRS P/WEEK 5HRS P/WEEK 4HRS P/WEEK

SCIENCE 1HR P/WEEK 2HRS P/WEEK 3HRS P/WEEK

HISTORY 1/2HR P/WEEK 1HR P/WEEK 2HRS P/WEEK

It is clear from these figures that even if these hours per week are met during focussed science inquiry topics, that science now commands double the amount of time as history. Traditionally in primary education the reverse has been true; the curriculum has been dominated by humanities subjects.

AusVELS Curriculum breakdown:

K-2 3-6

ENG/MATH/SCI/HIST 14.5HRS P/WEEK 14HRS P/WEEK

PHYSICAL ED/SPORT 20-30MINS P/DAY 3HRS P/WEEK

OTHER 7HRS P/WEEK 8HRS P/WEEK

TOTAL 25 25

The three strands:

Science UnderstandingScience as a Human EndeavourScience Inquiry Skills

Science understanding is evident when a person selects and integrates appropriate science knowledge to explain and predict phenomena, and applies that knowledge to new situations. Science knowledge refers to facts, concepts, principles, laws, theories and models that have been established by scientists over time.•Biological•Chemical•Earth & Space•Physical

Science Understanding

Through science, humans seek to improve their understanding and explanations of the natural world. Science involves the construction of explanations based on evidence and science knowledge can be changed as new evidence becomes available. Science influences society by posing, and responding to, social and ethical questions, and scientific research is itself influenced by the needs and priorities of society.Nature and development of science: appreciation of the unique nature of science and scientific knowledge, including how current knowledge has developed over time through the actions of many people.Use and influence of science: how science knowledge and applications affect peoples’ lives, including their work, and how science is influenced by society and can be used to inform decisions and actions.

Science as a Human Endeavour

Questioning and predicting: Identifying and constructing questions, proposing hypotheses and suggesting possible outcomes.Planning and conducting: Making decisions regarding how to investigate or solve a problem and carrying out an investigation, including the collection of data.Processing and analysing data and information: Representing data in meaningful and useful ways; identifying trends, patterns and relationships in data, and using this evidence to justify conclusions.Evaluating: Considering the quality of available evidence and the merit or significance of a claim, proposition or conclusion with reference to that evidence.Communicating: Conveying information or ideas to others through appropriate representations, text types and modes.

Science Inquiry Skills

The AusVELS Science CurriculumYOU WILL NEED to view these documents

Foundation

Science FoundationComparing VELS Science to AC Science F-2Science Inquiry Questions AC Science Portfolios (Above, Satisfactory, Below)

Level 1 & 2

Science Level 1 and 2Comparing VELS Science to AC Science F-2Science Inquiry Questions AC Science Portfolios Year 1 and 2 (Above, Satisfactory, Below)

Level 3 & 4

Science Level 3 and 4Comparing VELS Science to AC Science Year 3-6Science Inquiry Questions AC Science Portfolios Year 3 and 4 (Above, Satisfactory, Below)

Level 5 & 6

Science FoundationComparing VELS Science to AC Science Year 3-6Science Inquiry Questions AC Science Portfolios Year 5 and 6 (Above, Satisfactory, Below)

Our current units address...Foundation – Biological, some Earth & SpaceLevel 1 & 2 – Biological, some Earth & SpaceLevel 3 & 4 – Biological, some Earth & SpaceLevel 5 & 6 – Biological , some Earth & Space

How do we fit science into our curriculum?

The “Genius Hour” Possibility